In this rousing narrative of female empowerment and the paradigm-shifting 60s and 70s, a group of spirited stewardesses who, pushing back on unrealistic expectations, fought for their rights in the cabin and revolutionized the workplace for all American women. Illustrations.
"The empowering story of a group of spirited stewardesses who fought for their rights in the cabin and revolutionized the workplace for all American women"--
The empowering true story of a group of spirited stewardesses who stood up to huge corporations and won, creating momentous change for all working women. (Gloria Steinem, co-founder of Ms. magazine)
It was the Golden Age of Travel, and everyone wanted in. As flying boomed in the 1960s, women from across the United States applied for jobs as stewardesses. They were drawn to the promise of glamorous jet-setting, the chance to see the world, and an alternative to traditional occupations like homemaking, nursing, and teaching.
But as the number of stews grew, so did their suspicion that the job was not as picture-perfect as the ads would have them believe. Sky girls had to adhere to strict weight limits at all times; gain a few extra pounds and theyd be suspended from work. They couldnt marry or have children; their makeup, hair, and teeth had to be just so. Girdles were mandatory while stewardesses were on the clock. And, most important, stewardesses had to resign at 32.
Eventually the stewardesses began to push back and its thanks to their trailblazing efforts in part that working women have gotten closer to workplace equality today. Nell McShane Wulfhart crafts a rousing narrative of female empowerment, the paradigm-shifting 60s and 70s, the labor movement, and the cadre of gutsy women who fought for their rightsand won.
